Ride

Ride with us

Our riders range in age from 2 to 65 and some have been riding with us for many years. We teach riders with a very wide range of disabilities and learning difficulties and some are wheelchair users.

We have riders that attend either as individuals or from special schools or adult training centres. They come on weekdays either morning or afternoon and children who attend mainstream school also manage to fit in a weekly riding session.

Riders do need to be able to use 2 or 3 steps with assistance to get on the mounting block

Please note that we only ride during school hours and term time & we have a maximum weight limit of 12.5 stone/79 kilos.

Our facilities

We have a large arena mirror so that riders can check they are riding in the correct position or just admire themselves. Special reins and saddles are also used to make riding easier and more comfortable for disabled riders. We also have Woody the wooden horse for riders to practice mounting and dismounting on. There is a toilet on site with wheelchair access

Carers, teachers, parents and friends are welcome to come and watch or walk round the adjacent woods.

Riding Sessions

Our riding sessions are for half an hour and most riders benefit from the social interaction of a group lesson. Lessons can be in the school or a hack through the woods and are tailored to ability and designed to improve balance, core strength, speech, coordination, and socialisation or teach a particular skill.

We are also very lucky to have easy access to Sherrards Park Woods so we can take our riders for hacks through the woods at all times of the year which they love.

How to become a Rider

Please complete the Rider Application form (link below) and post it to the address on the form or email it to us. If you have any queries please contact the yard on 01707 332159 (09.00-17.00) or email info@digswellplacerda.org.uk .

Once we have received your completed and signed form you will be invited for an assessment if there is a slot available. If we cannot offer you a time slot straight away you’ll join our waiting list until a place is available. Being flexible about when you can ride will enable us to find a suitable session more quickly.